Postmillennialism is an eschatological view within Christianity that interprets the “millennium”—a period described in Revelation 20:1-6—as a future golden age of peace, righteousness, and prosperity that will occur before the return of Jesus Christ. In this view, the millennium is not necessarily a literal thousand-year period but is characterized by the widespread success of the gospel and the gradual Christianization of the world. Christ’s second coming, the final judgment, and the new creation occur after this millennial period, hence the term “postmillennialism.”

Biblical Foundations of Postmillennialism

The Millennium in Revelation

Postmillennialists interpret the millennium described in Revelation 20 as a symbolic representation of a long period in which Christ reigns spiritually through the Church, bringing about a transformation of society.

• Revelation 20:1-6: “And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain… They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years… Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

Postmillennialists generally see this passage as depicting a period of spiritual reign, not necessarily a literal, earthly reign of Christ. They view the binding of Satan as a process that occurs as the gospel spreads and more people are brought under Christ’s rule.

Old Testament Prophecies of a Glorious Future

Postmillennialists find support for their view in Old Testament prophecies that speak of a future era of peace, justice, and global worship of God.

• Isaiah 2:2-4: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it… They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Postmillennialists interpret this prophecy as describing the progressive spread of the gospel and the resulting peace and justice in the world.
• Psalm 22:27-28: “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.” This passage is seen as predicting a future time when the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth.

The Great Commission

Postmillennialism emphasizes the Great Commission as a mandate that will be fulfilled in history, leading to the conversion of the nations and the establishment of a Christianized world.

• Matthew 28:18-20: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” Postmillennialists believe this commission will ultimately succeed, leading to a time of widespread Christian influence and obedience to Christ’s teachings.

The Parables of the Kingdom

Postmillennialists often point to Jesus’ parables of the kingdom as illustrations of the gradual, yet inevitable, expansion of Christ’s reign on earth.

• Matthew 13:31-33: “He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’ He told them still another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.'” These parables are seen as teaching that the kingdom of God begins small but grows and spreads throughout the world, transforming it over time.

Historical Development of Postmillennialism

Early Church and Patristic Thought

In the early church, there was a variety of eschatological views, but the seeds of what would later be called postmillennialism were present in the belief that the gospel would eventually triumph throughout the world.

• Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260-339): Eusebius, known as the “Father of Church History,” saw the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the Christianization of the Roman Empire as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a sign of the triumph of Christianity over paganism. While not a fully developed postmillennial view, this optimism about the spread of Christianity influenced later postmillennial thought.

The Reformation and Post-Reformation Era

The optimism of postmillennialism began to take more definite shape during the Reformation and the post-Reformation era, particularly among Reformed theologians.

• John Calvin (1509-1564): Calvin did not explicitly teach postmillennialism, but his emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the power of the gospel to transform societies laid the groundwork for later postmillennial thought. His followers, particularly in the Puritan tradition, developed a more optimistic eschatology based on Calvin’s theology.
• The Puritans: Many Puritans, particularly in England and New England, held to an optimistic view of the future, believing that God’s kingdom would advance throughout the world before Christ’s return. This view was often tied to their understanding of the covenants and the belief that they were called to establish a “city on a hill” that would model Christian virtue to the world.

The Enlightenment and the Rise of Postmillennialism

The optimism of the Enlightenment, with its belief in human progress and the potential for societal improvement, influenced the development of postmillennialism in the 17th and 18th centuries.

• Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): Edwards, often considered America’s greatest theologian, was a strong proponent of postmillennialism. He believed that the preaching of the gospel would lead to a future golden age in which the majority of humanity would be converted and the world would be transformed by Christian principles. Edwards saw the Great Awakening as a sign of God’s work in bringing about this future era.
• The 19th Century: Postmillennialism gained further traction in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it was closely associated with the Second Great Awakening and the social reform movements of the time. Many postmillennialists were involved in efforts to abolish slavery, promote temperance, and advance education, believing that these efforts were part of God’s plan to bring about the millennium.

Decline in the 20th Century

Postmillennialism began to decline in the 20th century, particularly in the wake of the two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of secularism. The optimism that had characterized postmillennial thought was challenged by the harsh realities of global conflict and social upheaval.

• The Rise of Premillennialism: In the 20th century, premillennialism, particularly in its dispensational form, gained prominence in evangelical circles, often displacing postmillennialism. The focus shifted to the expectation of Christ’s imminent return rather than the gradual Christianization of the world.
• Theological Shifts: The decline of postmillennialism also reflected broader theological shifts, including a greater emphasis on the already/not yet tension of the kingdom of God and a focus on the sovereignty of God in history rather than human progress.

Modern Resurgence

Despite its decline, postmillennialism has experienced a resurgence in some Reformed and evangelical circles in recent decades, particularly among those who emphasize the cultural mandate and the application of biblical principles to all areas of life.

• Christian Reconstructionism: A modern movement within Reformed circles, Christian Reconstructionism, advocates for the application of biblical law to all areas of society and often holds to a postmillennial eschatology. This movement sees the spread of the gospel and the transformation of society as part of God’s plan to bring about the millennium.
• Optimistic Eschatology: There has been a renewed interest in optimistic eschatologies in some parts of the Reformed tradition, with theologians and pastors emphasizing the victory of Christ’s kingdom and the hope of a future golden age.

Key Doctrines of Postmillennialism

1. The Spiritual Reign of Christ

Postmillennialists believe that Christ is currently reigning spiritually over the world through His Church and that this reign will gradually lead to the Christianization of society.

• 1 Corinthians 15:25: “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” Postmillennialists see this as an ongoing process in which Christ’s reign is progressively realized in history.

2. The Success of the Great Commission

Postmillennialism holds that the Great Commission will ultimately succeed, with the majority of the world being converted to Christianity before Christ’s return.

• Matthew 28:18-20: Postmillennialists interpret the Great Commission as a promise of success, believing that the gospel will spread throughout the world, leading to the transformation of nations.

3. The Transformation of Society

Postmillennialism emphasizes the gradual transformation of society through the influence of the gospel, resulting in a world characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness.

• Isaiah 11:9: “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Postmillennialists see this as describing the effects of the widespread influence of Christianity.

4. The Millennium as a Future Golden Age

Postmillennialists believe that the millennium is a future period of history, often understood symbolically, during which the world will experience a golden age of Christian influence before the return of Christ.

• Revelation 20:4: Postmillennialists interpret the “thousand years” symbolically, seeing it as a long period of time during which Christ’s reign is realized through the Church.

5. The Return of Christ After the Millennium

Postmillennialism teaches that Christ will return after the millennium, bringing about the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: Postmillennialists believe that Christ’s return will occur after the millennium, at which point the final consummation of all things will take place.

Protestant Emphasis in Postmillennialism

The Authority of Scripture

Postmillennialism is grounded in a high view of Scripture, emphasizing the reliability of biblical prophecy and the power of the gospel to transform the world.

• Psalm 2:8: “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” Postmillennialists see this as a promise that Christ’s reign will extend to all nations, fulfilling God’s covenant promises.

The Sovereignty of God

Postmillennialism emphasizes the sovereignty of God in history, believing that God is actively working through His Church to bring about the fulfillment of His purposes in the world.

• Ephesians 1:22-23: “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” This passage underscores the postmillennial belief in Christ’s current reign and the Church’s role in His plan.

The Cultural Mandate

Postmillennialism often includes a strong emphasis on the cultural mandate—the idea that Christians are called to exercise dominion over the earth and bring all areas of life under the lordship of Christ.

• Genesis 1:28: “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'” Postmillennialists believe that the cultural mandate is fulfilled as the gospel transforms societies and brings them into conformity with God’s will.

Optimism About the Future

Postmillennialism is characterized by an optimistic outlook on the future, believing that despite present difficulties, the gospel will ultimately triumph and bring about a period of unprecedented blessing and prosperity.

• Isaiah 9:7: “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” Postmillennialists see this as a promise of the ultimate victory of Christ’s kingdom.

Practical Implications of Postmillennialism in Christian Life

Engagement in Social Reform

Postmillennialism encourages Christians to engage in social reform, believing that their efforts to promote justice, peace, and righteousness are part of God’s plan to bring about the millennium.

• Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Postmillennialists see this as a call to actively work for the transformation of society in accordance with God’s will.

Confidence in Evangelism

Postmillennialism instills confidence in evangelism, as believers trust that the gospel will ultimately succeed in bringing about the conversion of the nations.

• Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Postmillennialists believe that the gospel’s power will lead to a future period of widespread conversion.

Hope and Encouragement

Postmillennialism provides hope and encouragement, reminding believers that their efforts to live out the gospel and advance God’s kingdom are part of a larger, victorious plan.

• 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Postmillennialists take comfort in the assurance that their labor contributes to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes.

Commitment to Christian Education

Postmillennialism often emphasizes the importance of Christian education, believing that teaching future generations the truth of God’s Word is essential to the advancement of the kingdom.

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Postmillennialists view Christian education as a key component of their eschatological hope.

Conclusion

From a Christian worldview, Postmillennialism is an eschatological perspective that emphasizes the gradual success of the gospel in bringing about a future period of peace, righteousness, and Christian influence in the world. Grounded in a high view of Scripture and the sovereignty of God, postmillennialism asserts that Christ’s spiritual reign is currently being realized through the Church and will culminate in a golden age before His return.

Historically, postmillennialism has been shaped by the optimism of the Reformation, the Puritans, and Enlightenment thought, gaining significant traction in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although it declined in the 20th century, it has experienced a resurgence in recent decades, particularly among those who emphasize the cultural mandate and the application of biblical principles to all areas of life.

Practically, postmillennialism encourages active engagement in evangelism, social reform, and Christian education, motivated by the belief that these efforts contribute to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes. It provides hope and confidence that, despite present challenges, the gospel will ultimately triumph, leading to a transformed world in which Christ’s kingdom is fully realized.